Trinidad and Tobago Newsday
Trinidad & Tobago, W.I. - Fete promoters say they would welcome the return of steel pan and brass bands to their events but cited logistics as a major reason why most events feature singers as their only form of entertainment.
“The logistics of arranging transport for a steel band, getting a proper stage set up for them, the lighting and sound, tends to take more time and effort than when booking a performer,” Colin Greaves, general manager of Island People Mas told Newsday yesterday. He also spoke of the cost of hiring a steel or brass band, which depends on its size and how long their set is (performance time).
“This may range from $15,000 to $30,000 and while some acts may charge similar amounts, when you add the logistics to that, many promoters find it easier not to hire a pan side or brass band.”
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When one looks at the extensive stage preparation for a fete, merely to accommodate 2-3 artistes, it far outweighs that of let's say an eight member steel orchestra, for example, I could make particular reference to a Japanese Band called "Pan Note Magic", with an abundance of music emanating from a mere eight (8) members.
All that's needed is the proper know how in miking a Steel Orchestra. I recall being a part of an eight (8) member band going to South Africa to perform at a Cricket Stadium, and it was so incredible to hear like we were at least 50 -60 players, and the quality of sound was absolutely mind blowing.
Logistics is the worst excuse I've ever heard for not having Pan in fetes.
If bands were being hired well in advance like the other artistes, they would certainly prepare an appropriate repertoire for the occasion.
This is a welcome news, the problem is the bands, what bands need to do is get themselves a vast collection of songs together at stageside/core level done as close as possible to the original pieces. These members should depending on the size of the stageside/core be able to go small and effective at will, so in a large core one can split up and do more than one gig at the same time, being able to do so will drop the expense of having to supply a whole panside in a fete one does not need 1000 pans in a fete just a few PLAYERS who know their shit well and can perform, it has been done already in a few parts of the world one band comes to mind and it's 'the 20th Century steelband' of London they even have their own songs, note the band was 9 players .PANORAMA has caused many bands to not learn any current songs at carnival season but the one1 song that they are playing for the competition in these times in the early years it was 2 [that was before I started playing with a band]in 1969 in my time with the band we learned several current songs as we had to play for the mas the band staged no Dj for that, I personally think that the competition current format needs to be changed as it's a big waste of man/woman hours that go into 1 song per band to get 8mins of music which does not sell as it should, with most bands doing own tunes now it will be good that the time for pieces drop to 4 to 6 mins the latter preferred so the music can be sold as it should be and make some funds for all involved especially PAntrinbago with a reduced time limit each band can do at least 2 songs [the return of the BOMB] having 2 competitions on the night or even 3 a peoples choice then the fete promoters will have some materials to work with and everybody laughing all the way to the bank.
Some regulars in here don't like it when the name Trinidad All Stars is mentioned, but All Stars has reached the 15th or 16th edition of 'Soca By the River' this year, the band's fete where at least one, and most times 2 or 3 steelbands have appeared every year along with one or two brass bands and singers. Last year for example, Renegades, a rhythm section, and All Stars all performed alongside Roy Cape. All Stars has been doing this since, the 1990s, the fete is successful, it can and does work.
The band also successfully produces a large band on carnival Monday and a Medium band on Tuesday, where all the music comes from pan. On Monday, they even have to hire 3 other bands to provide music for the number of masqueraders who come to play.
So people, it can be done. It is being done.
I've attended those fetes and the limes were always good. Cyar wait for this year's edition...
Excuses, excuses
There are all these excuses why we can't have pan on the road, can't have pan in the parties, can't have a decent pan show not named Panorama.
If the steelband is the attraction that we think it is, then timely, well produced, well organized, pan events must be supported
And Pan people will have to figure it out for themselves, how best to plan and organize events that highlight and promote the best of pan.
If not, we might as well give up.
If the steelband cannot be successful in its own home, then all this talk about business and money for panists is a waste of time.
Success would only be seen by those highly skilled and talented individuals and small groups who are already creating a musical niche for themselves around the world.
The steelbands, especially the smaller, community bands deserve better.
Well Said.Glenroy.
Arguably agreed!!! If there is a need, then some promoter worth their salt will find a way...
I had mentioned this in one of my comments earlier,,,,Steelpans//Steelbands,, Steel Orchestras should be playing a variety of music,,,merengue,,salsa,,waltz,,,indian music,,r&b,,soca,,reggae,,soul,,,having this knowledge ,experience and expertise,one can play for any fete, with the support of a DJ if needed,,,i have been there and have done it all,,trust me,,the concentration of most Steelbands are only for the Panorama,,after this its cold,,further if there is a Steelband with the strength of 45 members ,,split it into 3 , or 4 sets of players,,,learn the songs,,entire band,,then arrange it in such a manner that every combo I would say gets a piece of the action on a turn basis could be weekend ,forthnightly or a monthly basis,,if one concentrates only on one type of music you have got a problem,,for everyone that visits are of different origin,,nationality,,race,,culture,,everyone has their own likeness and the Steelpan playing their kind of music is a plus,,i am not gong to indulge into the financial part that would be left for the leaders of the Steelbands,Steel Orchestras,just sharing my past experience,respect to all on WST.
Diaz pulls another bluff giving immediate hope. He is just way too politically astute for the VISIONARIES.
How many PANYARD fetes do they have throughout the year? Bring the Brass Band to the PANYARD and start having some BIG FETES.
Claude, do you know what you are saying "He is just too politically astute for the VISIONARIES" Keith Diaz rather appeal a judgement to hold election because of the VISIONARIES threat, the election would soon. After Wed 9th 2014 pan trinbago meeting, the mark would bust.... tough questions have to answer.... no duck and run.....
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